Liverpool "charged" by FA while Pep Guardiola escapes action despite "disrespectful" claim

Liverpool have been charged by the Football Association for allegedly failing to control their players during their 4-1 defeat to Manchester City on Saturday.

The defeat was another disappointing moment in what has been a difficult season for the Reds, with Jurgen Klopp's side now 10 points off the top four places in the Premier League.

They took an early lead through Mohamed Salah, but Julian Alvarez equalised for hosts City before the half-time interval.

Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan put Pep Guardiola's side 3-1 up by 53 minutes after the break, before Jack Grealish's 73rd-minute goal sealed the victory.

Tempers flared for the Reds when City midfielder Rodri avoided a second yellow card during the second half. Several Liverpool players, including captain Jordan Henderson, surrounded referee Simon Hooper.

In a statement, the FA wrote: "Liverpool FC has been charged after its players surrounded a match official during the 34th minute of their Premier League game against Manchester City on Saturday, April 1.

"It's alleged that Liverpool FC failed to ensure its players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion and/or do not behave in a way which is improper, and the club has until Wednesday 12 April to respond."

Guardiola avoids action

However, City boss Guardiola has escaped punishment from the FA for the way he celebrated goals by Jack Grealish and Julian Alvarez during his side's 4-1 win.

Speaking after the game, the Spaniard denied any wrongdoing - and said his celebrations were not disrespectful when asked whether they could be.

He explained (quotes via Goal): "I was happy and I said [to Kostas Tsimikas] how nice our goal was.

"No, come on [celebrations not disrespectful]. I'm so sorry. Ask him if I lack respect, ask Tsimikas. I [celebrated] the goal the way I do with my son. I'm so sorry. Do you think it's a lack of respect? Ah ok, I'm so sorry!"

"I was happy and I said [to Tsimikas] how nice our goal was.

Asked if he felt his celebrations might be seen as disrespectful, Guardiola replied in his typically sarcastic manner.

"No come on," he said. "I’m so sorry. Ask him if I lack respect; ask Tsimikas. I [celebrated] the goal the way I do with my son. I’m so sorry. Do you think it’s a lack of respect? Ah ok, I’m so sorry!"